Police hunting knife attack suspect

THIS is the man police are hunting for after a barman was stabbed in an Evesham pub and left with serious injuries.

Officers want to speak to 31-year-old Peter O'Shaughnessy about the brutal assault which took place at Chancers in Vine Street last Wednesday, December 19, about 11.25pm which saw a member of staff attacked with a knife.

The man was left with a severe wound to his hand and forearm and taken to hospital in a critical condition.

His attacker made off from the bar and has yet to be found despite a significant number of police officers searching for him overnight in the town centre.

West Mercia Police has now put a £500 reward on offer to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest of Mr O'Shaughnessy who is originally from Liverpool.

But police reassured residents an armed assault of this kind was very unusual for Evesham and they believe it was an isolated incident that may have related to an altercation that took place earlier in the bar.

Detective Inspector Mark Loader, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our inquiries into this nasty offence have been fast-moving and we have received a lot of help from members of the public, for which we are very grateful.

"We need to find and speak with Peter O’Shaughnessy. We have information that he has been staying in Evesham for approximately ten days and has contacts in the town.

"He has a history of being involved in violent crime and we advise that if anyone knows or encounters O’Shaughnessy they should not under any circumstances approach or challenge him.

"If you are aware of his whereabouts, please contact West Mercia Police immediately on 999."

Any other information can be passed on by contacting the non-emergency police number 101 or this can done anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.